I've done dip dye fingernails before so I knew the technique. I tried using DIPS. I only have black and white, but it seemed to work. With how expensive DIPS are it probably wouldn't be practical though.

It has to be an emollient or oil-based make up in order to float on the water.I think you would have to speak to someone from an old-school style make up company (Ben Nye, RCMC, Graftobian, etc., to find a product that is skin safe.)

I was so disappointed to see someone advertising and using craft acrylics instead of proper skin safe make up. It's all fun and games until somebody has a serious reaction.

I'd totally like to replicate that, preferably before September 22 when I do a 5 day fair. That's a cash cow idea there. I sent my chemist friend the link, we have been Skype back and forth (he is in germany) on how to make it work with liquid face paint. When I make trek to store Friday I'm going to get a bottle of liquid black, send him the label and let he and his lab rats run with it. Lol. We are pretty sure we can make this happen-without harming anyone. On the acrylics- no way I'd use on kids, ever. But for something like this idea for adults- I'd totally do it- because I'd be sure they knew what paint was being used,and that it isn't listed for cosmetic use. After that, if they want to part with 10 bucks so I can dip their arm, he11 yes I'd paint them with it. But only adults I PASSED THE INFO to. No sign- verbal warning, sign this paper type thing.

Hence sucking the chemistry on it. I'm all for the right way. I'm just saying- if I knew IHAD given them full warning, and they chose to anyway, so be it. I'll protect the kids, adults get to choose as long as I know they have ALL the CORRECT information.

It looks just like the stuff used by people who marble paper. If so, the base is a sort of seaweed emulsion. It's not water, and it's kinda thick. Traditionally, people used a gouache, which is a sort of watercolor, so I would expect face paint to float on it quite easily. I suspect he's using acrylics, since it dries immediately, but you wouldn't have to.

Washable does not mean body safe. Basically this is what they are doing at big events run by production companies that do not allow vendors at their music events. they get some cheap help type to do this. Or DJ use it as an add on to get hired. It is not as some claim to be the new body painting of the future. Cool, but won't replace me. Van's Warped Tour Oz Fest and such all did tattoos too as a fad. This out in the event area, we in the VIP area wiping that spray paint crap off guests!! Every fad has it'd run, some will stick - this might.

I would not use temp tattoo inks.As a batik textile artist this is easy to figure out.

They are using a paint that floats on the water - there are a few types most are for textile work, but a body makeup could work with chemical additives. One brand of textile paint is formulated just for marbling.

It does lay a lot in additives. One if the paint does not float, one if it clumps or won't spread.... It the paint does not float you need a disperant agent

I can see that they are using perhaps methocelulose o keep the mixture "wet" or slimey. Even guar gum works. That way they use the barrel over and over - or it would dry out. Plus the it helps the mixture, the paint pigments, suspend. We use it in both in cosmetics and FX makeup - I have pound of each on my studio shelf!

New chemicals help suspend the paint, like gal, and this has made doing marbling easier. You can actually lay out a pattern and the chemicals are making that alot easier.

These guys are using salt to get the paint to stick and soak into the skin. We use salt in tie dye too to set the dye.

This will be a big fad this summer - like hair painting (again)! Instead of calling it marbling the new made of name is hydro dipping.

Just because a "paint" is acrylic does not make it not for use on skin. The EU has approved make for use on skin acrylic - not the same as is used on canvas. Just as shellac is a makeup additive there are many types of acrylics, shellacs and such approved for use on people. Clearly this is an acrylic paint being used. There sure may be some who use skin safe and others (most) are not.